[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1307] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLD ELYTON CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION _____ HON. SPENCER BACHUS of alabama in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, I want to extend commendations to the Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The members of the Old Elyton Chapter are guardians of our nation's cherished history of freedom and, through their educational initiatives with young people especially, are ensuring that there will be continuing respect and reverence for the democratic principles that are the foundation of America. Through their service, they fulfill the motto of the National Society of the DAR: God, Home, and Country. The Old Elyton Chapter has deep roots in Alabama. In fact, its very name is historical and is associated with the formation of the City of Birmingham. The chapter was organized by Mrs. J. Morgan (Kate Duncan) Smith and her daughter, Mrs. Samuel L. Earle, on January 4, 1913, just 23 years after the formal organization of the National Society of the DAR. The chapter's 100th anniversary celebration falls on the 226th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution by the Continental Congress. The selection of the date of September 17, which is highly significant to the origins of our great nation, was fitting for an organization whose own members trace their family heritage to the Patriots of the American Revolution. The Old Elyton Chapter has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of the National Society of the DAR, a volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving American history through the education of young people. Its purpose is drawn directly from its charter, which was incorporated by an Act of Congress in 1896: ``To perpetuate the memory and spirit of women and men who achieved American independence; to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; to foster true patriotism and love of country.'' The volunteer initiatives of DAR members include support for student financial aid and scholarships and donations to schools for the underprivileged. A major service project of the Old Elyton Chapter is its continuing support of the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Grant, Alabama. Established in 1924, it is the only K-12 school in the United States owned and operated by chapters of the DAR. Known as the ``Gem of Gunter Mountain,'' the school annually provides more than 1,000 children in the remote Appalachian area of Northeast Alabama with schooling, extra- curricular activities, clothing, health care, daily nutrition through a free breakfast and lunch program, training in life skills, and a love of American ideals. It exemplifies the best principles of the DAR in action. The members of the Old Elyton Chapter of the DAR are proud supporters of our troops and veterans. They participate in many events honoring our veterans in the Birmingham area and remind us that we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today only because of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform in the past and now in the present. Patriotism in the Birmingham community and the State of Alabama runs deep and the Old Elyton Chapter of the DAR has been an essential part of maintaining that tradition through many generations. Having completed one hundred years of vital service, it now prepares to embark on its second century of promoting American ideals and values. On behalf of the people of the Sixth District, let me congratulate the Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and send best wishes and blessings to all of its members. ____________________